Call for Non-Violence: Mini-bus Taxi Leaders in Strike Urged to Refrain

Premier Alan Winde has issued an urgent plea to minibus taxi leaders associated with the South African National Taxi Council in the Western Cape (SANTACO-WC), who are currently engaged in a province-wide strike marked by destructive actions. The Premier calls on them to return to the negotiating table and collaborate with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the City of Cape Town (CoCT) to address the industry’s long-standing challenges as reported by Western Cape Government.

Highlighting the vital role of the minibus taxi sector in the region’s public transport industry and economy, Premier Winde stresses that resorting to violence through strikes is not the solution to resolving operators’ and drivers’ grievances. Such actions are detrimental to shared economic growth and will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.

Also Read: Ensuring Your Alternative Power Solutions Are Fire-Safe

Expressing his disappointment at SANTACO-WC’s sudden withdrawal from the Minibus Taxi Task Team, established in conjunction with the CoCT to tackle industry-related issues, the Premier emphasises the need for long-term solutions. He condemns violence, asserting that while the right to strike exists, it should never endanger lives or destroy property. The safety of commuters, who are the lifeblood of the taxi industry, is of utmost importance.

Furthermore, Premier Winde reveals that legal action is being investigated to interdict the violence associated with the strike, deeming it entirely unacceptable.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie shares the sentiment and hopes for SANTACO-WC’s return to the negotiating table. He expresses disappointment over suspending their participation in the Task Team, which was established to address pressing industry issues collaboratively. Acknowledging the complexity of challenges faced by minibus taxi operators, which are intertwined with broader transportation crises in South Africa, Minister Mackenzie urges national government colleagues to treat industry formalisation as urgent and fulfil their commitments accordingly.

The Mobility Department and City officials are diligently working to resolve ongoing challenges arising from operating license availability and meeting transportation demands. Addressing the B97 route issue is a priority, with a continuing survey to determine appropriate regulatory action.

The WCG reaffirms its commitment to supporting the minibus taxi industry in any possible manner, with the ultimate goal of achieving an optimally functioning and regulated sector that benefits the entire community, as reiterated by Premier Winde.

📢 MEDIA RELEASE

Mini-bus taxi stakeholders involved in Western Cape strike should return to the negotiating table & refrain from resorting to violence. pic.twitter.com/ESmkwLDXF5

— Premier Alan Winde 🇿🇦 (@alanwinde) August 3, 2023

Also Read:

Anthony Anderson Celebrates South Africa’s WWC Progress: Video

Follow us on Google News

Photo: Twitter / @Premier Alan Winde